Who are the three finalists for Florida education commissioner?

Three of more than 50 applicants will interview for Florida's education commissioner job next week. Each has credentials in the education "reform" world. We've attached their resumes below so you can see how they present their careers.

In their applications, each made statements about their interest in the job.

Charles Hokanson Jr.: "I have long been very excited by the fresh, common-sense vision and leadership in education policy that governors Bush and then Scott have provided the state, and by the state Legislature's and state Board's clear focus on prioritizing the reform of the state's preK-20 education system and on providing transparency, an abundance of data, increasing excellence and diverse, plentiful schooling options to Florida families."

Tony Bennett: "Throughout my career and through my last four years as Indiana's superintendent of public instruction, I have been committed to setting high expectations and holding everyone accountable -- students, educators, administrators and me. It's why I keep a scoreboard in my office, and it's why I get up every day thinking about how to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all students. I would welcome the opportunity to continue this work in Florida."

Randy Dunn: "Florida has made bold, innovative moves nationally and can be proud of where it is leading on numerous reform initiatives. Other areas come to mind where more needs to be done to move the needle for the state -- early childhood policy is one of those meriting continued study. But no matter what Florida desires to accomplish for the future of its 3.5 million students ... it is going to take a commissioner of education who will embrace those same ends with an energy, passion, expertise, commitment and record of achievement equal to the task. I believe I can be just such an individual...."

What questions would you ask these candidates if you were on the Florida Board of Education?

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.